A perfect message for the present moment, Smallpools and morgxn’s collaborative new single is a sleek and soothing reminder for us to relax, take a deep breath, and “Slowdown.”
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Stream: “slowdown” – Smallpools, morgxn
‘Slowdown’ is an anthem of taking a break: Resetting the pallet and knowing that the world will be there when you’re ready to take the next step.
– morgxn
If ever there were a time for us to heed this message, it’s right now. Smallpools and morgxn’s collaborative new single is a sleek and soothing reminder for us to relax, take a deep breath, and “Slowdown.”
I like the feelin’ of the wind in my hair
Wanna believe that there is somethin ’upstairs
Don’t like the pressure,
like I’m under control
‘Cause I just like the way
I let the rhythm take hold
Caught in the middle
and there’s no turnin’ back
I wanna be somebody, someone to have
I get so lost when
there’s no reason to stay, I
Guess I like the feelin’
like I’m runnin’ away
Independently released April 17, “Slowdown” is one of those rare musical collaborations that fits perfectly into both artists’ catalogs. A funky, cool breath of fresh air, the track arrives as indie pop mainstays Smallpools’ second release of the year, following the release of their song “Play Pretend” which they wrote for comedian Iliza Shlesinger’s new Netflix show, The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show. It’s also the second release of the year for indie pop singer/songwriter morgxn, following his bustling cover of the Shuffle Along showtune “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” which appeared in the Freeform original movie The Thing About Harry.
Showcasing morgxn’s smooth, sultry vocals and Smallpools’ dynamic, impassioned instrumental work, “Slowdown” takes the best of both artists and catapults their strengths into a song full of resolve, vulnerability, and sincerity.
morgxn captures the song’s simple, meaningful message in the chorus – telling himself, and everyone who needs to hear it, to slow down:
But slow down
You don’t need to pick it up
Somehow
There’s a world yet to be found
Slow down (slow down)
There’s no point in burnin’ out
Slow down, slow down, slow down
There’s no better way to say it, but it needs to be said. We don’t need to be in it every second of the day; we’re allowed to take time for ourselves, and to step out of our daily drudgeries to dwell in our past and present experience. Life is happening to us and around us, no matter what state of mind we’re in; we might as well be the best possible version of ourselves, which means recognizing when we need “me time” to take that breath and just be for a little while.
Atwood Magazine caught up with morgxn and Smallpools’ Mike Kamerman to discuss the genesis of “Slowdown” and its personal importance: Close your eyes, breathe, and let this stellar song wash over you as you “Slowdown” with Smallpools and morgxn.
But slow down
You don’t need to pick it up
Somehow
There’s a world yet to be found
Slow down (slow down)
There’s no point in burnin’ out
Slow down, slow down, slow down
(Ahhhhhhh-ahh)
I am now finding comfort within this crazy time by allowing myself to slow down and take a pause when feeling overwhelmed.
– Mike Kamerman
Stream: “slowdown” – Smallpools, morgxn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvb3OJV7L_Y
“Slowdown“
Atwood Magazine: When you listen to “Slowdown,” what is its story for you?
Mike Kamerman: The song came about very unexpectedly at the end of last year. It probably came about more quickly than any other song we’ve ever released. morgxn had reached out via social media and sent me a voice memo of him singing two words: “slow down.” It was as if 2019 knew that I (we as a group) would need this song and message for 2020. I am now finding comfort within this crazy time by allowing myself to slow down and take a pause when feeling overwhelmed. I’m also very thankful to have this song and release to look forward to, it’s been a nice distraction from everything.
Morgxn: I felt honestly broken by the time I got to Mike’s studio. I came home to Nashville for something else and didn’t plan on “being in the studio.” When I showed up to Mike’s house he had started started a vibe from this random voice memo. I think, like the best moments happen this way, that the song knew it was time for it to come out.
There’s somethin’ different about me and you
I want somebody who will tell me the truth
I thought the reason is there’s someone to stay, I
Guess you like the feelin’ like you’re runnin’ away
But slow down
You don’t need to pick it up
Somehow
There’s a world yet to be found
Slow down (slow down)
There’s no point in burnin’ out
Slow down, slow down, slow down
What inspired this song’s lyrics?
Morgxn: I wanted to slow down. i had been running myself to the ground putting on a happy face. playing the game. i needed a break. but the thing is my main love is music. and i think this song is also about how slowing down is hard. you have to look at yourself in the mirror. you have to ask yourself why you keep choosing the same toxins every time. it’s wild we are forced to slow down as a society now and i’ve found that my old vice’s a) aren’t available or, more deeply, (b) don’t work for me anymore. my favorite line may be in the bridge when came together later. “just want my body to go with my head. don’t want to rush something i might regret.”
Morgxn, how do you feel “Slowdown” fits into your repertoire?
Morgxn: I feel like this next chapter is more respectful of what the X in my name means to me. it stands for evolution. growth. not staying the same. sometimes you gotta break to break through. and for me “slowdown” is just the first stop on the way to where I’m headed.
Mike, Smallpools have been on such an indie rush of late! How have the past year been for you as a band?
Mike Kamerman: This last year has been very interesting. Lots of ups and downs, personally and as a band, but 2019 finished off super strong with an awesome run with our new friends, Third Eye Blind. We spent the majority of the last 6 months working on new music and we’re looking forward to releasing it soon. We were also lucky enough to write and record the theme song for Iliza Shlesinger’s new sketch comedy series, which is now on Netflix. It’s been very cool to see that project come to life. The show is hilarious and a very welcomed escape from the news!
Just hold my body, to go with my head
Don’t wanna rush somethin’ I might regret
Slow down
You don’t need to pick it up
Somehow
There’s a world yet to be found
Slow down (slow down)
There’s no point in burnin’ out
Slow down, slow down, slow down
How do you feel, sonically, this song compares to Smallpools' usual stuff? What excited you about this track compared to your last couple of singles?
Mike Kamerman: This song came about a little differently than most other Smallpools songs, therefore, I tried some new things when tackling the projection. It was a real treat being able to collaborate with morgxn, we’ve been fans of his for a while now and his vocal and presence really helped in shaping the sound of the song. Specifically, I feel the song is bit more bass driven in certain spots and a touch more lo-fi/organic than most of our other songs. A definite indicator of where our sound can head as we continue to evolve as individuals and musicians.
Where do you see Smallpools these days? What do you feel songs like “SYCS,” “Insincere,” and “Play Pretend” showcase of the band's talents of late?
Mike Kamerman: I feel like we’re in a pretty good place mentally right now. Since moving to Nashville we’ve dipped our toe in the self-production waters and we were testing them with “Insincere” and “SYCS”. We did two short headline runs last year and thought it would be cool to release a song to coincide with each leg of the tour so that’s how they came about. I like those two songs, I’m glad they exist. In hindsight, there are definitely things I’d change about each but I think they served their purpose.
“Play Pretend” was a slightly different beast and I’m really, really proud of that one. Iliza (whom the song was written for) wanted something fun and energetic to kick off the show so we went back and listened to a lot of the music that we were listening to when making our initial EP, ie. having fun 😉 I feel like we reconnected with our early sound with Play Pretend and in doing so, some old and new doors of creativity have creaked open for us.
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